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To gain access to certain courses, a covering letter is an essential step. This is especially true in business, where the cover letter is the first contact you make with the teaching staff. It can help you stand out from the other applicants. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School takes a look at how to write a convincing masters cover letter.

Is a covering letter necessary for admission to a Master's programme?

The cover letter plays a crucial role in your application to a Master's programme. It enables you to apply for a Master's degree at the university or school of your choice, while showing that you have given careful thought to your career plans.

This letter shows that you have considered the Grande École programme that interests you and that you have understood how these courses will help you in your future career.

While the cover letter is sometimes a compulsory prerequisite, it is also a tool for the student. It's the ideal opportunity to highlight your personality, your uniqueness and your experience. It allows you to stand out from any competitors and ensures that your application is validated. The admissions panel can learn more about you, your background and your vision for your future career.

As well as being a true testament to your intentions, the cover letter is also an indirect way of demonstrating your written communication skills.

Far from being a mere administrative formality, it can be the key to securing an interview with a view to your admission to a Master's programme.

What research should I do before writing a cover letter for a Masters course?

Before you start writing your letter, start by finding out about the specifics of the school and programme you are applying for. This will make your letter more consistent with your CV and your career plan.

It's very important to tailor your cover letter to the school and Master's programme you're applying for. Do not send a single standard letter to all the universities or schools you have selected. The worst idea would be to download a model letter from the Internet and send it en masse to the schools and masters courses that really interest you!

For example, you don't apply for a master's in corporate finance in exactly the same way as for a master's in supply chain. Show that your choice has been carefully thought through and that you have considered each programme. Show the jury that this is the right school for you to enter the job market.

What should your cover letter for a Masters course contain?

Writing a cover letter for a course is not always easy. You need to be both precise and concise. It should summarise your orientation, your career path and your ideas for the future. This letter complements your CV by adding a personal touch and responding to certain codes.

Take a look at this information:

• your studies and education (if you feel it is worth mentioning) ;
• any associative experience you may have
• your professional experience ;
• your personal skills and abilities;
• your career objectives.

How should a cover letter for a Master's degree be structured?

The header of the cover letter for a master's degree

Address your cover letter correctly. You need to make a good impression from the very first words. This will show that you are capable of paying attention to detail.

Example: "For the attention of Mr or Mrs XXX": as far as possible, mention the name of the head of the department of your chosen course. If you don't have the name, write "Service XXX" or "École XXX". Also include the address.

Next, add a subject to your letter. Example: "Subject: Application for Master's degree XXX".

Follow this with a simple, classic opening line: "Mr XXX", "Mrs XXX", or "Dear Sir/Madam" if you don't know the name of the person you are addressing.

The body of the cover letter for a Master's degree

1. The first part should be about you. Present your profile and background, and explain why you have chosen to apply.

2. The second part focuses on the educational establishment, and more specifically on the Master's degree you wish to enter. In this section, focus on what the institution offers and what you are aiming for. List the reasons why the programme interests you and highlight the information you have gathered in your preliminary research.

3. The third part should summarise your views on your future relationship with the educational establishment. Talk about why you think you are a good fit for the programme and what this course will enable you to achieve in the future.

The conclusion of your masters application letter

The conclusion is crucial, and it's best not to rush it. Be persuasive, indicating that you are awaiting a positive response and that you are ready to commit yourself to the course.

Don't forget to say thank you and choose a polite formula. You can find inspiration on the Internet to write the most appropriate formula.

A few tips to follow when writing your cover letter for a master's degree

Whether you're looking to get into a digital marketing master's, an entrepreneurship master's or any other master's, here are a few tips for writing a powerful cover letter for your training application.

Don't hesitate to include a few concrete examples in your cover letter. This is another way of ensuring that it complements your CV and makes the members of the selection panel want to know more about you.

Avoid clichés, generalities, phrases that use a lot of emphasis or the use of many superlatives. This weighs down the message more than anything else. Your style should be both effective and punchy. Don't hesitate to ask for help and get someone else to read it for you. This outsider will be able to give you an objective opinion.

Write your letter and allow a little time to pass before rereading it. Mistakes and language errors will be easier to spot.

What are the mistakes to avoid in a cover letter for a master's degree?

In all cover letters, you should :

• Avoid adopting an arrogant or overly modest tone.
• Take care with the formatting of the letter and show that you have an eye for detail.
• Identify and correct grammatical and spelling errors.
• Avoid repeating everything on your CV.

You now have all the tools you need to apply for the Master's programme of your choice with a solid, high-quality cover letter. This will enable you to get an interview with a business school as quickly as possible. University Masters, business school... use these few tips to apply with peace of mind. Don't hesitate to contact the business school that interests you for more information and advice. Want to go further? Find out now how to find an internship for your course.